Recipe: Lebanese Fattoush Salad

adapted from Serious Eats

Garlic Oil

1 cup pure olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped

1 pound pita bread

1 teaspoon salt

Garlic Vinaigrette

2 teaspoons garlic paste

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup pure olive oil

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Vegetables

1-2 cups tomatoes, diced

1 cup cucumbers, peeled and cut into small dice

2 cups  lettuce, chopped

2/3 cup mint, torn (optional)

1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

1/4 cup sweet onion, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

 

Make the garlic oil: Heat the oil, remove from the heat, and add the garlic. Let steep for several hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Split the pita in half. Brush one side of each half with the garlic oil. Sprinkle with salt. Cut each half into eighths and spread (oil side up) on a sheet pan. Place in the oven and bake until golden and crispy. Reserve.

Make the vinaigrette: Combine the garlic paste, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then whisk in the olive oils.

Combine all of the vegetables and toss with half the vinaigrette; salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the pita, vegetables, and more vinaigrette. Toss. Add more vinaigrette if the fattoush looks dry.